Patents by Inventor Christopher C. Miller

Christopher C. Miller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160136364
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and devices for delivering gaseous Nitrous Oxide (gNO) under therapeutic parameters to reduce infection in a subject. Certain embodiments include devices and systems for delivering pressurized gNO to reduce bioburden and promote healing in the wounds of subjects having various disease conditions, including skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and osteomyelitis. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides portable wound healing devices for delivering pressurized gNO to the site of a wound to treat various disease conditions in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Jensen, Christopher C. Miller, Daniel Packert, Gerhild Packert
  • Publication number: 20160137968
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide materials and methods relating to cell and tissue culture testing systems. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to in vitro testing systems that are useful for performing experiments to investigate the potential for various factors to reduce bioburden, reduce the manifestations of infection, and to promote wound healing in cultured cells and tissues. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides means for investigating biological mechanisms underlying wound healing, including the ability of pressurized gas to reduce the manifestations of infection by reducing bioburden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Gerhild Packert, Daniel Packert, Stephen Dunham, Christopher C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160081876
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treatment by delivering nitric oxide at a pressure greater than 1 atmosphere (atm) to a subject in need thereof. Thus, the present invention provides an improved method of treating the skin surface of a subject, and below the skin surface of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Frank J. McCaney, Jeffrey L. Jensen, Christopher C. Miller, Daniel Packert, Gerhild Packert, Alex Stenzler
  • Publication number: 20160082040
    Abstract: Systems, compositions, devices, and methods for treating a mammary condition in a mammal using gNO delivered from a nitric oxide releasing solution (NORS) are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, the mammary condition may be mastitis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Bovicor Pharmatech Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Gilly Regev-Shoshani
  • Publication number: 20160066912
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw member comprising a magnetic sensor; a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member such that the first jaw member is pivotally moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second jaw member is configured to receive a staple cartridge therein; a staple cartridge removably coupled to the second jaw member, the staple cartridge further comprising an upper surface facing the first jaw member; and a magnet positioned to be in an opposing relationship to the magnetic sensor when the first jaw member is in the closed position. The magnetic sensor is operable to detect the magnetic field of the magnet, and wherein the detected magnetic field is indicative of the distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel L. Baber, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Andrew T. Beckman, Christopher C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib, Jamison J. Float, Matthew E. O'Kelly
  • Publication number: 20160066909
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw member defining an anvil; a second jaw member configured to receive a cartridge therein, wherein the first jaw member is moveable with respect to the second jaw member; a first sensor coupled to the anvil; and a second sensor configured to measure a second parameter. The first sensor is configured to measure a first parameter. The first parameter and the second parameter are related. The first sensor and the second sensor are in signal communication with a processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel L. Baber, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Andrew T. Beckman, Christopher C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, Foster B. Stulen
  • Publication number: 20160066906
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprises a stapling head assembly, an actuator handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a safety latch, and a locking member. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil that moves relative to a staple holder and a staple driver to drive staples from the staple holder into tissue and against the anvil. The actuator handle assembly has a first actuator that controls motion of the anvil and a second actuator that controls motion of the staple driver. The shaft assembly couples the stapling head assembly to the actuator handle assembly. The safety latch prevents operation of the second actuator when the gap between the anvil and staple holder is outside a predetermined range. The locking member is configured to prevent adjustment of the anvil gap after the desired staple height has been set inside the predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Edward G. Chekan, Kevin D. Felder, Jerome R. Morgan, Carl J. Shurtleff, IV, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Christopher C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160030038
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a trigger operable to fire a staple driver to staple tissue. The instrument includes a pointed rod to which an anvil may be coupled. An anvil detection feature is included to determine when the anvil is coupled to the rod. In some versions, the anvil detection feature comprises a translatable rod that inhibits a lockout feature from disengaging. In other versions, an anvil sensing tube is disposed about the pointed rod and interferes with actuation of the trigger in a first position. A recess in the tube permits trigger to actuate when the anvil sensing tube is in the second position. Alternatively, a resilient tab is coupled to the pointed rod and resists actuation of the staple driver. A trigger lockout assembly may include a spring-loaded button that “pops” out when a push rod is actuated, thereby freeing a pivotable lockout feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin D. Felder, John F. Cummings, Joseph P. Schowalter, Patrick J. Swindon, Johnny H. Alexander, Patrick A. Weizman, Cory G. Kimball, Edward G. Chekan, Joseph E. Young, Christopher C. Miller, Barry T. Jamison, John V. Hunt, Kent P. Baker, Cortney E. Henderson, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jerome R. Morgan, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Carl J. Shurtleff, Julia F. Serber
  • Patent number: 9220505
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprises a stapling head assembly, an actuator handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a safety latch, and a locking member. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil that moves relative to a staple holder and a staple driver to drive staples from the staple holder into tissue and against the anvil. The actuator handle assembly has a first actuator that controls motion of the anvil and a second actuator that controls motion of the staple driver. The shaft assembly couples the stapling head assembly to the actuator handle assembly. The safety latch prevents operation of the second actuator when the gap between the anvil and staple holder is outside a predetermined range. The locking member is configured to prevent adjustment of the anvil gap after the desired staple height has been set inside the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Edward G. Chekan, Kevin D. Felder, Jerome R. Morgan, Carl J. Shurtleff, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Christopher C. Miller
  • Patent number: 9186148
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a trigger operable to fire a staple driver to staple tissue. The instrument includes a pointed rod to which an anvil may be coupled. An anvil detection feature is included to determine when the anvil is coupled to the rod. In some versions, the anvil detection feature comprises a translatable rod that inhibits a lockout feature from disengaging. In other versions, an anvil sensing tube is disposed about the pointed rod and interferes with actuation of the trigger in a first position. A recess in the tube permits trigger to actuate when the anvil sensing tube is in the second position. Alternatively, a resilient tab is coupled to the pointed rod and resists actuation of the staple driver. A trigger lockout assembly may include a spring-loaded button that “pops” out when a push rod is actuated, thereby freeing a pivotable lockout feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Felder, John F. Cummings, Joseph P. Schowalter, Patrick J. Swindon, Johnny H. Alexander, III, Patrick A. Weizman, Cory G. Kimball, Edward G. Chekan, Joseph E. Young, Christopher C. Miller, Barry T. Jamison, John V. Hunt, Kent P. Baker, Cortney E. Henderson, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jerome R. Morgan, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Carl J. Shurtleff, Julia F. Serber
  • Publication number: 20150297782
    Abstract: A wound dressing comprising nitric oxide gas producing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Bruce Murray
  • Publication number: 20150290417
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for administering high concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient without the need to provide supplemental oxygen to the patient. The systems and methods can be used to administer high therapeutic amounts of NO gas, for example a gas comprising 160 ppm NO, while forming little or no residual nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The method is based on using a NO gas source with a relatively high NO concentration, for example 5,000 ppm, while rapidly mixing the gas from the NO gas source with air immediately prior to administering the gas to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Alex Stenzler, Christopher C. Miller, Steve Han
  • Publication number: 20150272988
    Abstract: A method of treating a human subject which is effected by intermittent inhalation of gaseous nitric oxide at a concentration of at least 160 ppm is disclosed. The method can be utilized for treating a human subject suffering from, or prone to suffer from, a disease or disorder that is manifested in the respiratory tract, or from a disease or disorder that can be treated via the respiratory tract. The disclosed method can be effected while monitoring one or more of on-site and off-site parameters such as vital signs, methemoglobin levels, pulmonary function parameters, blood chemistry and hematological parameters, blood coagulation parameters, inflammatory marker levels, liver and kidney function parameters and vascular endothelial activation parameters, such that no substantial deviation from a baseline in seen in one or more of the monitored parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Advanced Inhalation Therapies (AIT) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossef Av-Gay, Christopher C. Miller, David Greenberg
  • Patent number: 9132264
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing and one or more deployable protrusions. The apparatus defines a fluid reservoir and presents an upper surface. The housing is sized and configured to be implanted within a patient. The protrusions are selectively movable from a first position to a second position. The protrusions are at least partially retracted relative to the housing when the protrusions are in the first position. The protrusions are at least partially extended relative to the housing when the protrusions are in the second position. The protrusions may be in the form of substantially cylindraceous posts, semi-circular members, or other shapes. The protrusions may be actuated mechanically, electromechanically, or otherwise. The apparatus may be provided as an injection port, as part of a gastric band system or otherwise. The deployed protrusions may facilitate location of the implanted port through external palpation of the patient's abdomen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Miller
  • Patent number: 9095340
    Abstract: A surgical stapler comprises an anvil assembly, an anvil shaft, a driver, an actuating arm, a safety switch, and a safety feature. The anvil assembly couples with the anvil shaft. The driver drives a plurality of staples into tissue. The actuating arm is in communication with the surgical stapler and is configured to actuate the driver to drive the plurality of staples into tissue. The safety switch is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The safety switch prevents operation of the actuating arm when the safety switch is in the locked position. The safety switch enables operation of the actuating arm when the safety switch is in the unlocked position. The safety feature may prevent operation of the driver even when the safety switch is in the unlocked position or prevent operation of the safety switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Felder, John F. Cummings, Joseph P. Schowalter, Patrick J. Swindon, Johnny H. Alexander, III, Christopher C. Miller, Barry T. Jamison, John V. Hunt, Kent P. Baker, Julia F. Serber
  • Publication number: 20150174158
    Abstract: A method of treating a human subject which is effected by intermittent inhalation of gaseous nitric oxide at a concentration of at least 160 ppm is disclosed. The method can be utilized for treating a human subject suffering from, or prone to suffer from, a disease or disorder that is manifested in the respiratory tract, or from a disease or disorder that can be treated via the respiratory tract. The disclosed method can be effected while monitoring one or more of on-site and off-site parameters such as vital signs, methemoglobin levels, pulmonary function parameters, blood chemistry and hematological parameters, blood coagulation parameters, inflammatory marker levels, liver and kidney function parameters and vascular endothelial activation parameters, such that no substantial deviation from a baseline in seen in one or more of the monitored parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Yossef Av-Gay, Christopher C. Miller, David Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20150157657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of treating a subject with nitric oxide gas and/or nitric oxide releasing solutions. The present invention also relates to compositions and devices useful for treating a subject with nitric oxide gas and/or nitric oxide releasing solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Alex Stenzler, Steve Han, Christopher C. Miller, Gilly Regev-Shoshani
  • Publication number: 20150083772
    Abstract: A surgical circular stapler has a body, shaft, a stapling assembly, a motor, a cam assembly, and a firing assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body. The stapling assembly is secured to a distal end of the shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing assembly causes the stapling assembly to drive a plurality of staples in a circular array to secure two lumens of tissue together. The stapling assembly may further drive a blade to sever any excess tissue interior of the circular array of staples. The motor is operable to rotate the cam assembly. Rotation of the cam assembly causes longitudinal translation of the firing assembly. A single rotation of the cam assembly is operable to drive the firing assembly from a proximal position to a distal position and back to a proximal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, John P. Measamer, Brian F. DiNardo, Richard F. Schwemberger, Johnny H. Alexander, III
  • Publication number: 20150083775
    Abstract: A surgical circular stapler has a handle assembly, a shaft, a stapling assembly, a motor, a drive assembly, and a firing assembly. The shaft extends distally from the handle assembly. The stapling assembly is secured to a distal end of the shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing assembly causes the stapling assembly to drive a plurality of staples in a circular array to secure two lumens of tissue together. The stapling assembly may further drive a blade to sever any excess tissue interior of the circular array of staples. The motor is operable to rotate the drive assembly to thereby translate the firing assembly. A resilient member biases the firing assembly proximally. Through cooperation between the firing assembly and the resilient member, the firing assembly is driven distally and proximally to complete a firing stroke in response to rotation of the drive assembly through a single revolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Richard F. Schwemberger, John P. Measamer, Johnny H. Alexander, III, Christopher C. Miller, Brian F. DiNardo, Jason M. Rector
  • Publication number: 20150083773
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector, a shaft assembly including a translating drive member, and a drive assembly. The end effector includes a distally advancing cutting member and staple driver. The translating drive member is operable to actuate the end effector. The drive assembly is in communication with the translating drive member and includes a motor, a rotary drive member, a first link, and at least one toggle link. The rotary drive member is in communication with the motor. The first link is in communication with the rotary drive member. The at least one toggle link is in communication with the first link and the translating drive member. The rotary drive member is operable to convey linear motion to the first link. The first link is able to convey linear motion to the translating drive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: John P. Measamer, Christopher C. Miller, Brian F. DiNardo, Richard F. Schwemberger, Johnny H. Alexander, III